Manage your Microsoft account

Your Microsoft account is your Windows Live ID

“Microsoft account” is the new name for what used to be called “Windows Live ID”. It’s the email address and password you use to sign in to Microsoft services (including Xbox Live). Keep in mind that these two terms mean the same thing. Your Xbox Live sign-in information has not changed. Find out more on this page.

Every Xbox Live account has a Microsoft Account associated with it

When you signed up for Xbox Live, you associated your Xbox Live account with a Microsoft account (formerly Windows Live ID). Your Microsoft account is the email address and password you use to sign in to various Microsoft services. You use this Microsoft account to manage your Xbox Live account and download your profile.

If you are a parent, you also connected a Microsoft account to your child’s Xbox Live account (in addition to the Microsoft account that your child uses to sign in). Your Microsoft account is used to control your child's Xbox Live services, agree to the Xbox Live Terms of Use and perform other functions.